Sunyani: The Business community in Sunyani, the Boono Regional capital, has advocated a national price control on goods and services as the Ghana cedi gains strength. This initiative, according to traders within the Sunyani Central Business District (CBD), would significantly help ensure that the appreciation of the cedi is reflected in commodity prices, thereby alleviating the plight of ordinary citizens.

According to Ghana News Agency, a market survey conducted at the CBD revealed that businesses, including market women, petty traders, and shop owners, commended the government for the cedi's appreciation. They expressed their hope that the government would implement sound monetary policies to stabilize the economy further.

Mr. Ransford Yeboah-Asuamah, the General Manager of Pribet Shopping Mat, one of the largest shopping malls in the area, noted that despite the US dollar's marginal depreciation, prices of basic food items, goods, and services remained significantly high. "In fact, the price of basic food items and clothes, as well as other consumables, is still high and something ought to be done to control the price and cost of items," he stated.

Mr. Yeboah-Asuamah expressed concern over the politicization of market pricing for goods and services, emphasizing the need to avoid unhealthy partisan politics and focus on market realities.

Nana Kwabena Fori II, the Chief Executive Officer of Stephen Materials, expressed optimism that the cedi would continue to appreciate competitively against the dollar, spurring rapid economic growth and development. "If prices of goods and services reduce, that will better the socioeconomic livelihoods of the people," he stated, commending the government's efforts.

Mr. Edward Mensah, a taxi driver, highlighted the need for businesses to adjust their prices to reflect the dollar and cedi rates, advocating for nationwide price control on goods and services. He also praised the decrease in petroleum product prices and urged the government to ensure that the prices of spare parts and lorry fares decrease correspondingly.